The sound of rattling tram coaches that once filled the busy streets of Calcutta, perhaps, can still be heard echoing on its streets if one focuses on sounds from their memories of the city. For many, the joy of this ride is now, unfortunately, safely nestled in nostalgia.
Trams first arrived in the city in 1873, granting Calcutta the distinction of having the second oldest operational tram network in the world. Initially horse-drawn, the system transitioned to electric coaches in 1902, marking a historic milestone as the first Asian city to embrace electric tram coaches. Although once a vital connection across major city areas, the ride dwindled, often seen as a mere heritage joyride. Sadly, last year, this integral part of Calcutta’s history was deemed obsolete, with only two operational routes existing at present.
In a heartfelt homage to this cherished past, t2 planned a special photoshoot with actress Paoli Dam at two iconic tram landmarks: the Gariahat tram depot and the picturesque tram tracks at Maidan. For Paoli’s looks, we opted for a vintage, classy style alongside a look that reflects the street style of a simple working woman from the 1900s, a time when the city thrummed with the lively ‘ding ding’ of tram bells.
This year marks the 100th year of the iconic Gariahat Tram Depot in South Calcutta, a historic site that began operations in 1925. Known as one of the last tram depots built in the city, it later transformed into a tram museum-cafe, named Tram World, after regular services came to an end nearly a decade ago. At present, it is one of the last two tram routes to remain operational in the city, known as route 25, connecting various significant stops in the city.For this shot, Paoli's look was created drawing inspiration from the elegant style of Gayatri Devi. She donned a light peach Coloroso sari, complemented by a triple-layered pearl necklace, pearl accessories adorning her hands, and a traditional bindi on her forehead. Her hair was styled in a classic updo, and a hint of maroon on her lips completed the look.
In a fun moment during the shoot, Paoli, whose series Ganoshotru is set to release on October 31, mentioned that her character (the 18th-century serial killer Troilokya Devi) missed something major in her life as she couldn’t witness the tram rides! ROFL
STYLIST SPEAK:
“For this t2 lookbook celebrating one of Calcutta’s heritage — the tram, we decided on two looks for Paoli, capturing the early 1900s styling. While one is more classy, inspired by Gayatri Devi, styled with pearls and pastel, the other captures the simplicity of the Bengali working woman of those times, with a contemporary touch that had just started to set it,” said Anupam Chatterjee.
HAIR AND MAKEUP NOTES:
“Since the first look was inspired by the evergreen style icon who reigned in the mid-1900s, Gayatri Devi, we kept the hairstyle very classy in a chic bob. We chose a dark maroon to enhance the look. For the second look, we kept the look very natural on a nude palette, with the hair worn into a hand bun,” said Abhijit Paul.
WHAT PAOLI MISSES ABOUT TRAM RIDES:
“The romance of tram rides is unmatched. To me, they embody the city’s vibrant energy. To people who come from the West to Calcutta, find life to be relaxed here. I relate that spirit of the city with its trams. Growing up near Firingi Kali Bari, during my master’s at Rajabazar Science College, I frequently rode the tram along that same route. In winter, I often took the second class because there were no fans, and it allowed me to save my pocket money. The joy of tram rides always lay in their cosy, laid-back vibe. I loved gazing out of its large windows and watching everyday life unfold. I also recall how we used to pull the bell cord ourselves instead of waiting for the conductor,” recalled the actress.
PAOLI’S EARLIEST MEMORIES OF TRAM RIDES:
The tramline stretched right in front of my house in Bowbazar, and it’s hard to forget the countless memories tied to it. I remember the excitement of bursting crackers on the tracks during Kali Puja. Each day, I would cross those tram lines on my way to school, and I had a lunch pass that allowed me to head home for a meal, crossing the track. Balancing my steps on the tracks was a challenge I took on often. But it was a risk at that time as the streets were busy with trams plying at regular intervals. It’s tough to pinpoint my very first tram memory since they’ve always been a part of my life. Riding the Outram Ghat tram was something I cherished. When I told my husband, who isn’t from Calcutta, about my love for trams, he mentioned he’d ridden one in San Francisco. I told him that he missed out on something truly special! I had hoped to take him on a tram ride, but that never happened, unfortunately. Today’s shoot on the tracks transported me back to my school and college days.
A FAVOURITE TRAM SCENE FROM A FILM: The first one that comes to my mind is Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar. The opening sequence beautifully uses the tram to symbolise the essence of the city.
